Palo Verde is often considered a birder’s paradise, but there are still many more places to catch a glimpse of the species of resident and migratory birds in Costa Rica.
Toucans are the most prominently featured of the birds in Costa Rica. The Keel-billed Toucan, the Chestnut-mandibled Toucan and the Fiery Aracari are some of the species of toucan that have been reinterpreted into artwork over the years. Parrots such as the Green Macaw and the Scarlet Macaw also receive a fair amount of attention due to their colorings and behavior.
There are many other birds of interest in Costa Rica, as well. Birds such as Oropendolas who build large basket shaped nests to vie for affection from females, or the Long-tailed Manakin whose tandem dance routine to lure in prospective females is peculiar among birds. Much of the greatest points of interest among the birds of Costa Rica lies in their mating rituals, but not all of it.
The Resplendent Quetzal has been honored for its plumage for centuries. It was highly regarded by Mayan and Aztec peoples in and near modern day Guatemala where it has become the countries symbol. This bird is also found in a number of the national parks and wildlife refuges of Costa Rica, and is best known for its elegant tail feathers.
Along with Palo Verde National Park, other birding paradises in Costa Rica include the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Corcovado National Park, Cahuita National Park and La Amistad International Park to name a few. La Amistad alone represents an exceptional prospect for serious ornithologists to observe rare to possibly even unheard of species, because the park’s terrain is not well charted. It wouldn’t, however, be an easy prospect to accomplish, because there isn’t a well formed trail system in much of the innermost areas of the park.
Whether you are a bird enthusiast, a professional ornithologist or just someone who enjoys glancing upon the feathery specimens, Costa Rica’s avifauna must be noted for its large number in terms of variety. There are 894 migratory and resident birds in Costa Rica, and that is not to be taken lightly.
